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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.